Veterans Memorial Elementary Central Falls, Rhode Island School Demographics and Geographical Location Summary Paragraph(s) Veterans Memorial Elementary School is located in Central Falls, RI and includes grades one through four. The students at Veterans are very diverse and come from low-income families. The majority of the population is Hispanic (77%) followed by African American (11%), White (9%), and Multiracial (2%).
The Median Family Income is the lowest in RI at $26,844. This is followed by Providence at $32,058 and Woonsocket at $38,353. The highest Median Family Incomes are in Jamestown at $77,990, Barrington at $84,657, and East Greenwich at $90,221.
Student Achievement Information Reported By Schools
2013 Rhode Island School AMO Summary 2013 Rhode Island School Accountability Summary
AYP Report Card
Summary Paragraph(s) Veterans falls significantly behind the state averages in all areas of the NECAP (New England Common Assessment Program), however they did meet all 23 of their AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) targets set by RIDE in both English and Mathematics. The Veterans and State averages are: 3rd Grade Math (36% vs. 60%); 3rd Grade Reading (49% vs. 73%); 4th Grade Math (37% vs. 65%); 4th Grade Reading (51% vs. 71%); and 4th Grade Science(16% vs. 45%). All of the student groups at Veterans met their targets in both reading in math by making rapid progress under the federal guidelines for ‘Safe Harbor’.
The AYP Summary Report classified Veterans as ‘Delayed’. This means that it was previously classified as ‘In Need of Improvement’ because it did not meet all of its targets the prior year but it met all of its targets this year. A school with a ‘Delay’ status is still considered to be ‘In Need of Improvement’. It has been 8 years since Veterans was initially designated as ‘In Need of Improvement’. Their new status indicates that they have made improvement since last year.
The diverse population at Veterans presents special needs and challenges. Although, Veterans met 10 of the 18 yearly AMO (Annual Measureable Objectives) targets set by RIDE (RI Department of Education) in 2012-2013, the White subgroup was the only one to meet both the Reading and Math targets based on the actual proficiency scores (plus the error). The student groups who did not meet either of the Reading or Math targets were Hispanics, Economically Disadvantaged Students, and students in the Minority Super-subgroup.
The Students with Disabilities, English Language-Learners, and Program Super-subgroup fell short of their targets, however, under federal guidelines for “Safe Harbor,” they made sufficient progress to meet their targets. The African American subgroup met their targets in Reading and Math, however, they satisfied their Math requirement by making sufficient progress, not by the actual number of proficient students.
According to the Accountability Summary, Veterans is classified as a “Focus” school which means that there was “substandard achievement in reading and math and/or unacceptable achievement gaps.” It is the second lowest rating given by the state. Veterans received a total Composite Index Score of 42.7 (out of 100). This is lower than the district rating of 45.0 and the state rating of 48.0.
Teaching Information Reported By Schools
Information Reported by Students
Summary Paragraph(s) The teachers at Veterans provide a positive learning environment for the students. Based on the SurveyWorks survey*, the number of children who answered ‘Always’ to “My teachers make learning fun” was 64.6%. The state average for the ‘Always’ response was 40%. The number of children who answered ‘Always’ to “My teachers want me to learn more” was 68.4% which again exceeded the state’s average of 52.6%.
Veterans has a student to teacher ratio of 1 to 10. This is better than the state-wide ratio of 1 to 11. There are no teachers with emergency certifications, however, 6% of the teachers are not considered ‘highly qualified.’ This is higher than the state average of 3%.
Of the students surveyed at Veterans, 81% responded that they would finish high school and 79% responded that they would go to college. These figures seem quite high based on the community and district data for Central Falls and can probably be attributed to a positive and supportive school environment. However, they do fall slightly behind the state averages of 85.6% and 81.4%.
Although the learning environment is positive and supportive, we have no way to determine the effectiveness of the teachers or the curriculum they are using. These could be major factors in the low test scores.
*Note the SurveyWorks data was only available for 4th graders at Veterans. Grades 1 – 3 were not surveyed.
Family,Community, and Home Life Information Reported By Schools Information Reported by Students Summary Paragraph(s) The students at Veterans have a lot of special needs. Thirty-six percent of the students receive ESL/bilingual education. The state average is 6%. Ninety-nine percent of the students at Veterans Memorial Elementary School qualify for subsidized lunch. This is more than double the state average of 46%. Twelve percent of the students receive special education services. This is slightly lower than the state average of 15%.
Parents seem to take an interest in what their child is doing at school. Based on SurveyWorks data, the parents of Veterans students want to know what their children are doing in school (93.8%) and also want them to get good grades (98.8%). Safe and Supportive Schools Information Reported By Schools
Information Reported by Students
Summary Paragraph(s) The caring atmosphere at Veterans would have a positive impact on the Attendance Rate (94%) and Chronic Absenteeism Rate (19%) which do not significantly differ from the state averages (95% and 17%, respectively). Students agreed to the following statements on the SurveyWorks survey: “My teachers care about me.” (96.2%); “I think my teachers like teaching.” (98.7%); and “My teachers are nice to me (96.3%).”
One of the challenges that teachers face at Veterans is that only 78% of students are likely to stay at Veterans throughout the school year (Stability Index). This is lower than the statewide rate of 87%. And, the percentage of students who moved into or out of Veterans during the school year (Mobility Index) is 28% which is much higher than the state average of 14%. These factors can have a disruptive effect on the classroom.
Twenty four students (or 30.4%) had been in a fight at school this year in which they had hit/touched another person. This is much higher than the statewide rate of 16.7%. However, there were only 2 suspensions. Bullying is a problem but only slightly above the state averages.
Funding and Resources Information Reported By Schools
Information Reported by Students
Summary Paragraph(s) The expenditure per student in Central Falls is $14,347 which is more than some of the wealthiest towns in RI. East Greenwich spends $14,086 per student, North Kingstown spends $13,700 per student, and Barrington spends $12,379 per student. The tax rate is the third lowest in the state at $8.08.
School resources seem adequate based on answers to some of the student survey questions. There are enough books for everyone in a classroom according to 91.3% of the students. This lags slightly behind the state average of 93.9%. And, the outside of the school building look nice according to 82.7% of the students compared to 81.6% statewide. One question that indicates that the school may need some upkeep on the inside is that only 76.6% of students thought that the school looked nice inside. At the state level, 88.4% were happy with the inside of their school.
Changes Over the Past Decade The population at Veterans was, and still is, very diverse. According to the 2002 SALT Report, the majority of the 521 students were Hispanic (60%) followed by White (30%) and Black (10%). The Hispanic population, according to 2012 data, has increased and continues to make up the majority of students at 77%. The White population decreased to 9% and the Black population remained about the same at 11%. Multiracial students now make up 2% of the population.
In 2002, 95% of the students were eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch. This increased to 99% in 2012. In 2002, 20% received special education services. This decreased to 12% in 2012. And, in 2002, 25% are English Language Learners. This increased to 36% in 2012.
According to the SALT Report, “Students sincerely appreciate the nurturing, loving, and supportive environment created by the principal, teachers, and support staff. Students and their families depend on the adults in the school to provide for their children’s academic, social, emotional, and physical needs, and they are not disappointed. Their needs are met before, during, and after school. Students are clearly the central focus in the life of this school.” Bases on survey questions, this supportive environment still exists at Veterans in 2012 due to the caring and enthusiastic teachers.
Despite a supportive environment provided by Veterans in 2002 and in 2012, Veterans students do not perform well on their tests. The tests taken in 2002 differ from the NECAP tests taken in 2012. However, if we assume that the reading and math portions of the 2002 tests are similar to the NECAP, there has not been a significant improvement in test scores.
In 2002, math school assessments were based on the New Standards Mathematics Reference Examination. Some of the subtests and associated results were:
Mathematics: basic skills
34% of the fourth graders met or exceeded the standard
Mathematics: concepts
14% of the fourth graders met or exceeded the standard
Mathematics: problem solving
6% of the fourth graders met or exceeded the standard
In 2012, 37% of 4th Graders were proficient in Math based on the NECAP assessment.
The New Standards English Language Arts Reference Examination was used for reading and writing assessments. Some subtests include:
Reading: Basic Understanding
53% of the fourth graders met or exceeded the standard
Reading: Analysis and Interpretation
35% of the fourth graders met or exceeded the standard
In 2012, 51% of 4th Graders were proficient in Reading based on the NECAP assessment.
The following excerpts from the SALT Report provide insight into why test scores are so low:
“Most teachers at Veterans School acknowledge the need for standards-based instruction and performance-based assessments. However, most report that they have not had adequate training and professional development to incorporate standards-based instruction across the curriculum.”
“While most teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of their students, some of the current modifications and adaptations do not support learning for all students. Some teachers provide students with opportunities for rigorous and challenging learning. Others, while believing that all students can learn, do not always provide the rigor and challenge needed. Consequently some students do not have equal opportunities to learn at a high level across the curriculum.”
The SALT Visit Team recommended that the Central Falls School District provide resources for needed professional development, provide direction for the implementation of content and performance standards, and provide a comprehensive standards-based curriculum for all subject areas.
One positive change which took place in the 2012-2013 school year is that the Central Falls School District was selected by the Rhode Island Department of Education to operate 1 of 8 Pre-Kindergarten classrooms in the state. This is a full day high-quality program at no cost to the families. Children who will be four (4) years old by September 1st and are residents of Central Falls are eligible. This program will prepare students to start school and they will enter kindergarten with a better set of skills and knowledge and, in turn, be more prepared upon entering Veterans.
Veterans faced similar challenges in 2002 and 2012. The school provides a supportive learning environment where the teachers want the students to succeed, however, they consistently do poorly on state tests. The school has a very a diverse population with special needs which presents challenges, however, the consistently low test scores indicate that additional problems exist. According to the SALT Report, the main problem stems from the lack of professional development and a lack of a standards-based curriculum. Based on the similarity in data in 2002 and 2012, it is assumed that these problems still exist in 2012. Veterans requires support from the District to get the tools that they need to address these issues.
Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (2002). School Accountability for Learning and Teaching. Veterans Memorial School, Central Falls, The SALT Visit Team Report. Retrieved July 2013, from http://www.eride.ri.gov/dataDump/00/2006-07/SaltRpts/200202_04_Veterans_Memorial_Elementary.pdf
Central Falls, Rhode Island
School Demographics and Geographical Location
Summary Paragraph(s)
Veterans Memorial Elementary School is located in Central Falls, RI and includes grades one through four. The students at Veterans are very diverse and come from low-income families. The majority of the population is Hispanic (77%) followed by African American (11%), White (9%), and Multiracial (2%).
The Median Family Income is the lowest in RI at $26,844. This is followed by Providence at $32,058 and Woonsocket at $38,353. The highest Median Family Incomes are in Jamestown at $77,990, Barrington at $84,657, and East Greenwich at $90,221.
Student Achievement
Information Reported By Schools
2013 Rhode Island School AMO Summary
2013 Rhode Island School Accountability Summary
AYP Report Card
Summary Paragraph(s)
Veterans falls significantly behind the state averages in all areas of the NECAP (New England Common Assessment Program), however they did meet all 23 of their AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) targets set by RIDE in both English and Mathematics. The Veterans and State averages are: 3rd Grade Math (36% vs. 60%); 3rd Grade Reading (49% vs. 73%); 4th Grade Math (37% vs. 65%); 4th Grade Reading (51% vs. 71%); and 4th Grade Science(16% vs. 45%). All of the student groups at Veterans met their targets in both reading in math by making rapid progress under the federal guidelines for ‘Safe Harbor’.
The AYP Summary Report classified Veterans as ‘Delayed’. This means that it was previously classified as ‘In Need of Improvement’ because it did not meet all of its targets the prior year but it met all of its targets this year. A school with a ‘Delay’ status is still considered to be ‘In Need of Improvement’. It has been 8 years since Veterans was initially designated as ‘In Need of Improvement’. Their new status indicates that they have made improvement since last year.
The diverse population at Veterans presents special needs and challenges. Although, Veterans met 10 of the 18 yearly AMO (Annual Measureable Objectives) targets set by RIDE (RI Department of Education) in 2012-2013, the White subgroup was the only one to meet both the Reading and Math targets based on the actual proficiency scores (plus the error). The student groups who did not meet either of the Reading or Math targets were Hispanics, Economically Disadvantaged Students, and students in the Minority Super-subgroup.
The Students with Disabilities, English Language-Learners, and Program Super-subgroup fell short of their targets, however, under federal guidelines for “Safe Harbor,” they made sufficient progress to meet their targets. The African American subgroup met their targets in Reading and Math, however, they satisfied their Math requirement by making sufficient progress, not by the actual number of proficient students.
According to the Accountability Summary, Veterans is classified as a “Focus” school which means that there was “substandard achievement in reading and math and/or unacceptable achievement gaps.” It is the second lowest rating given by the state. Veterans received a total Composite Index Score of 42.7 (out of 100). This is lower than the district rating of 45.0 and the state rating of 48.0.
Teaching
Information Reported By Schools
Information Reported by Students
Summary Paragraph(s)
The teachers at Veterans provide a positive learning environment for the students. Based on the SurveyWorks survey*, the number of children who answered ‘Always’ to “My teachers make learning fun” was 64.6%. The state average for the ‘Always’ response was 40%. The number of children who answered ‘Always’ to “My teachers want me to learn more” was 68.4% which again exceeded the state’s average of 52.6%.
Veterans has a student to teacher ratio of 1 to 10. This is better than the state-wide ratio of 1 to 11. There are no teachers with emergency certifications, however, 6% of the teachers are not considered ‘highly qualified.’ This is higher than the state average of 3%.
Of the students surveyed at Veterans, 81% responded that they would finish high school and 79% responded that they would go to college. These figures seem quite high based on the community and district data for Central Falls and can probably be attributed to a positive and supportive school environment. However, they do fall slightly behind the state averages of 85.6% and 81.4%.
Although the learning environment is positive and supportive, we have no way to determine the effectiveness of the teachers or the curriculum they are using. These could be major factors in the low test scores.
*Note the SurveyWorks data was only available for 4th graders at Veterans. Grades 1 – 3 were not surveyed.
Family,Community, and Home Life
Information Reported By Schools
Information Reported by Students
Summary Paragraph(s)
The students at Veterans have a lot of special needs. Thirty-six percent of the students receive ESL/bilingual education. The state average is 6%. Ninety-nine percent of the students at Veterans Memorial Elementary School qualify for subsidized lunch. This is more than double the state average of 46%. Twelve percent of the students receive special education services. This is slightly lower than the state average of 15%.
Parents seem to take an interest in what their child is doing at school. Based on SurveyWorks data, the parents of Veterans students want to know what their children are doing in school (93.8%) and also want them to get good grades (98.8%).
Safe and Supportive Schools
Information Reported By Schools
Information Reported by Students
Summary Paragraph(s)
The caring atmosphere at Veterans would have a positive impact on the Attendance Rate (94%) and Chronic Absenteeism Rate (19%) which do not significantly differ from the state averages (95% and 17%, respectively). Students agreed to the following statements on the SurveyWorks survey: “My teachers care about me.” (96.2%); “I think my teachers like teaching.” (98.7%); and “My teachers are nice to me (96.3%).”
One of the challenges that teachers face at Veterans is that only 78% of students are likely to stay at Veterans throughout the school year (Stability Index). This is lower than the statewide rate of 87%. And, the percentage of students who moved into or out of Veterans during the school year (Mobility Index) is 28% which is much higher than the state average of 14%. These factors can have a disruptive effect on the classroom.
Twenty four students (or 30.4%) had been in a fight at school this year in which they had hit/touched another person. This is much higher than the statewide rate of 16.7%. However, there were only 2 suspensions. Bullying is a problem but only slightly above the state averages.
Funding and Resources
Information Reported By Schools
Information Reported by Students
Summary Paragraph(s)
The expenditure per student in Central Falls is $14,347 which is more than some of the wealthiest towns in RI. East Greenwich spends $14,086 per student, North Kingstown spends $13,700 per student, and Barrington spends $12,379 per student. The tax rate is the third lowest in the state at $8.08.
School resources seem adequate based on answers to some of the student survey questions. There are enough books for everyone in a classroom according to 91.3% of the students. This lags slightly behind the state average of 93.9%. And, the outside of the school building look nice according to 82.7% of the students compared to 81.6% statewide. One question that indicates that the school may need some upkeep on the inside is that only 76.6% of students thought that the school looked nice inside. At the state level, 88.4% were happy with the inside of their school.
Changes Over the Past Decade
The population at Veterans was, and still is, very diverse. According to the 2002 SALT Report, the majority of the 521 students were Hispanic (60%) followed by White (30%) and Black (10%). The Hispanic population, according to 2012 data, has increased and continues to make up the majority of students at 77%. The White population decreased to 9% and the Black population remained about the same at 11%. Multiracial students now make up 2% of the population.
In 2002, 95% of the students were eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch. This increased to 99% in 2012. In 2002, 20% received special education services. This decreased to 12% in 2012. And, in 2002, 25% are English Language Learners. This increased to 36% in 2012.
According to the SALT Report, “Students sincerely appreciate the nurturing, loving, and supportive environment created by the principal, teachers, and support staff. Students and their families depend on the adults in the school to provide for their children’s academic, social, emotional, and physical needs, and they are not disappointed. Their needs are met before, during, and after school. Students are clearly the central focus in the life of this school.” Bases on survey questions, this supportive environment still exists at Veterans in 2012 due to the caring and enthusiastic teachers.
Despite a supportive environment provided by Veterans in 2002 and in 2012, Veterans students do not perform well on their tests. The tests taken in 2002 differ from the NECAP tests taken in 2012. However, if we assume that the reading and math portions of the 2002 tests are similar to the NECAP, there has not been a significant improvement in test scores.
In 2002, math school assessments were based on the New Standards Mathematics Reference Examination. Some of the subtests and associated results were:
The New Standards English Language Arts Reference Examination was used for reading and writing assessments. Some subtests include:
The following excerpts from the SALT Report provide insight into why test scores are so low:
“Most teachers at Veterans School acknowledge the need for standards-based instruction and performance-based assessments. However, most report that they have not had adequate training and professional development to incorporate standards-based instruction across the curriculum.”
“While most teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of their students, some of the current modifications and adaptations do not support learning for all students. Some teachers provide students with opportunities for rigorous and challenging learning. Others, while believing that all students can learn, do not always provide the rigor and challenge needed. Consequently some students do not have equal opportunities to learn at a high level across the curriculum.”
The SALT Visit Team recommended that the Central Falls School District provide resources for needed professional development, provide direction for the implementation of content and performance standards, and provide a comprehensive standards-based curriculum for all subject areas.
One positive change which took place in the 2012-2013 school year is that the Central Falls School District was selected by the Rhode Island Department of Education to operate 1 of 8 Pre-Kindergarten classrooms in the state. This is a full day high-quality program at no cost to the families. Children who will be four (4) years old by September 1st and are residents of Central Falls are eligible. This program will prepare students to start school and they will enter kindergarten with a better set of skills and knowledge and, in turn, be more prepared upon entering Veterans.
Veterans faced similar challenges in 2002 and 2012. The school provides a supportive learning environment where the teachers want the students to succeed, however, they consistently do poorly on state tests. The school has a very a diverse population with special needs which presents challenges, however, the consistently low test scores indicate that additional problems exist. According to the SALT Report, the main problem stems from the lack of professional development and a lack of a standards-based curriculum. Based on the similarity in data in 2002 and 2012, it is assumed that these problems still exist in 2012. Veterans requires support from the District to get the tools that they need to address these issues.
Rhode Island Department of Education (2012). InfoWorks! Rhode Island Education Data Reporting. Veterans Memorial Elementary. Retrieved July 2013, from http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/school/veterans-memorial-elementary
Rhode Island Department of Education (2012). SurveyWorks! Rhode Island Education Survey Suite. SurveyWorks! 2011-2012 School Level Report Veterans Memorial Elementary. Retrieved July 2013, from http://infoworks.ride.ri.gov/files/surveyworks/2011-2012/combined/surveyworks-2011-2012-veterans-memorial-elementary-student-parent-teacher-es.pdf
Central Falls School District (2013). Central Falls School District News. Free Pre-Kindergarten Program - Central Falls. Retrieved July 2013, from
http://www.cfschools.net/2012/07/20/free-pre-kindergarten-program/
Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (2002). School Accountability for Learning and Teaching. Veterans Memorial School, Central Falls, The SALT Visit Team Report. Retrieved July 2013, from http://www.eride.ri.gov/dataDump/00/2006-07/SaltRpts/200202_04_Veterans_Memorial_Elementary.pdf
Rhode Island Department of Education (2002). Information Works! 2002 School Report Cards. Veterans Memorial Elementary. Retrieved July 2013, from http://infoworks.ride.uri.edu/2003/queries/FindSch.asp?ID=04106